You can get hearing aids free on the NHS or pay for them privately. You’ll need to get your hearing tested by a hearing specialist called an audiologist.
Step 1: Get your hearing tested
To see if you have signs of hearing loss, take our 3-minute online hearing check. It’s not a full hearing test, but it will tell you if you need one.
To get a full hearing test, you can:
- ask your GP to refer you to an NHS audiology service
- self-refer to an NHS audiology service, depending on where you live
- go directly to a private hearing care provider
Many private hearing care providers offer free hearing tests, but you’ll need to pay for hearing aids if you stay with a private provider.
Find out how to get your hearing tested.
Step 2: Find out about your options
Your audiologist will explain what type and level of hearing loss you have and what treatments are available. They’ll help you find the best type of hearing aid for you.
Hearing aids come in a range of shapes and sizes. The right one for you will depend on:
- your type and level of hearing loss
- the size of your ear canal
- your lifestyle
- the cost, if you decide to go private
High-quality hearing aids are free through the NHS, but not every type of hearing aid is available on the NHS. You can also buy hearing aids privately.
To help you make a decision, read the Which? guide to NHS and private hearing aids.
Step 3: Get your hearing aids fitted
You’ll need to go to a fitting appointment so your audiologist can adjust the hearing aids to your needs.
They’ll check that your hearing aids are comfortable and show you how to use them.
Some audiology providers are experiencing long waiting times. Contact your audiology provider for an update if you’ve been waiting a long time for an appointment.
Find out what to expect at your hearing aid fitting appointment.
Step 4: Get used to wearing your hearing aids
It can take some time to get used to:
- the feeling of hearing aids in your ears
- the new sounds you can hear
- using different settings
- cleaning and maintaining your hearing aids
The more often you wear your hearing aids, the faster you’ll get used to them.
Read our tips on getting used to hearing aids.
You can also get help with hearing aids from RNID Near You. Find a local drop-in session to get face-to-face help with things like cleaning and troubleshooting your hearing aids.